The importance of wearing sunscreen in the winter

The importance of sunscreen and protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays has been on a forefront of discussion for years now. The case for using it in the summer should already be obvious, but it’s important to stress that sunscreen is still essential in the winter months. We Michiganders are privy to long stretches of cloudiness, little to no sun, and (typically) vast amounts of snow, so we might be willing to overlook the need for sunscreen.

The sun emits UV rays, which is invisible radiation that can harm the skin and lead to premature skin aging and/or skin cancer, at all times throughout the year. There are two different types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays are the most common, and the most harmful, type of sunshine as it reaches beyond the top layer of skin. UVB rays are still harmful, but not as much since the majority are absorbed by the ozone layer before they reach our skin.

During the winter months, skiers, snowboarders, and other participants of alpine sports are at a greater risk and, therefore, require a greater SPF within their sunscreens. This requirement stems from the fact that the greater the altitude, the higher the intensity of UV rays. In other words, for every 1,000 feet you climb, the UV rays increase in intensity by 4%. In every day activity, individuals should wear a minimum SPF of 15; however, winter sport participants should wear a minimum SPF of 30 to counteract the change in altitude and UV strength.

There are a few rules of thumb to note when picking the right and most beneficial sunscreens. First and foremost, each sunscreen should state that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) lists the most important ingredients necessary in sunscreens includes: avobenzone, cinoxate, ecamsule, menthyl anthranilate, octyl methoxycinnamate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone, and sulisobenzone. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours to every part of exposed skin. You should also use lip balm with sunscreen in it to protect your lips from sun damage. To keep an eye out on the intensity of the UV rays each day, you can also check the daily UV index just as you would check the weather report.

This advice is very concerning to me, given that the majority of our population is already vitamin D deficiency. As you may or may not know, increased vitamin D has been linked to reduced risk of more than 100 medical conditions, and of course the SUN is the only natural source. Of course the sun is also the basis for all life on our planet — so why are we trying to shun it? Advice like this, as well as the marketing efforts of the sunscreen companies, are contributing greatly to this problem. Of course the sunscreen companies want you to wear sunscreen every day because it multiplies their profits, even if it’s not responsible.

Sunscreen should not be used everyday and has never been shown to reduce risk of skin cancer — while vitamin D actually has. Sunscreen should be used ONLY when there is a possibility of overexposure and sunburn, which is almost never in the winter in Michigan. Constant use is unnecessary and in fact dangerous. It’s time for people to wise up and realize that moderate sun exposure is a huge part of a natural, healthy lifestyle.

You might also like...

Kristin Coppens is responsible for BCBSM coverage of the West Michigan, Northern Michigan, and Upper Peninsula regions. Kristin is a writer, social media enthusiast, and information junkie. A self-proclaimed foodie, techie, and political nerd, she is a dedicated promoter of Grand Rapids community development, urban engagement, arts, healthcare, wellness, supporting and buying local, entrepreneurism, and the city as a whole.See all of my posts

About

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice

This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.

This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.